Chelsea line-up £20m raid for Germany international

Chelsea face stiff competition in the form of Roma to sign Stuttgart defender Antonio Rudiger.

The Blues are reportedly mulling over a £20m move for the Germany international after the Italian giants had their opening offer for the centre-half rejected by the Bundesliga outfit earlier this summer.

The 22-year-old, who has six international caps, made 21 appearances in all competitions for Stuttgart last season.

With Roma desperate to replace Alessio Romagnoli following his move to AC Milan earlier this month, Chelsea would have to stump upwards of £20m to prize the star asset away from the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

It is believed that Blues boss Jose Mourinho sees Rudiger as a cheaper alternative to Everton defender John Stones after already seeing two approaches turned down for the England international.